I’m at the local sports bar when I look up at the TV and there’s New York Jets’ coach Rex Ryan and Broncos’ defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale sitting in the bleachers at the Highlands Ranch-Thunder Ridge high school football game. Sitting in between was Martindale’s wife, Laura.

Ryan and Martindale have been close since they were on the University of Cincinnati defensive coaching staff in 1996. The Jets don’t play the Broncos until Sunday but Ryan brought his Jets in a day earlier than usual because of the altitude factor (now I know the Broncos have a chance.)

And Martindale’s son, Ty, plays for Highlands Ranch. So does Ed Donatell’s son, by the way. Steven Donatell is Highlands Ranch quarterback. Ed is the Broncos’ defensive backs coach.

Highlands Ranch has some work to do, though. It was down, 12-7 at halftime.